Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet discussed the potential contract situation of Alex Tuch with the Buffalo Sabres on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio. While acknowledging Tuch’s recent struggles in the Canadiens series, Friedman emphasized that both the player and the team are committed to finding a resolution.
Friedman stated, “I believe that they will try everything they can to get that done. Obviously, the two of them haven’t hit the sweet spot yet. I think, look, he had a bad series. There’s no question about it. I can’t argue with that, but Buffalo doesn’t get there without him, and sometimes we all have recency bias, and we look back at the last thing that happened. But overall, he’s been good for Buffalo, and Buffalo has been good for him.”
He further elaborated on the mutual desire to make the deal work: “I think he wants to be there. I think they want him there. I think both sides may have to compromise a little bit, but I think the Sabres are also aware that one of the reasons they had the season they did and won their division was because of the big role that Tuck played with them. I think they will look big picture, and I think it’s going to take compromise on both sides, but I think both sides want to get it done, and for that reason, I, until I’m proven wrong, I think that if both sides are willing to give up a little something, I think it gets done.”
Alex Tuch himself commented on his future, stating, “I just don’t know how this is all going to unfold for him. He said he loves this team and playing here, but he’s going to do what’s best for him and his family and that’s the most important thing.” He added, “I’m going to do whatever is best for myself & my family……I don’t know how the talks are going to go & I don’t know the future.”
The sentiment within the Sabres organization is that Tuch’s teammates want him back. The focus now shifts to the Buffalo Sabres’ General Manager and Tuch’s agent to negotiate and finalize a new agreement.
